Earlier this week Mat Kendrick held his regular webchat with Aston Villa fans. Here is a selection of the best questions.

Lr_Jordan asked:
“How much will Villa have to spend in January?”

Mat Kendrick:
LR_Jordan, I don't think it will simply be a case of Paul Lambert having a set budget to spend. I think he will go to the board with targets and each one will be judged on its merits. I don't imagine there being more than a couple of new faces coming in in January, but that will depend on where Villa are in the league by then and if there are any departures, I would think

Jamie asked:
“Do you have any insights on how long Bent might be injured?”

Keith Rastall asked
: “Whats going on with Bent is he really injured?”

Mat Kendrick:
Couple of questions about Bent's injury. I don't doubt that he is injured, but I think it is less of a concern to the manager now that Benteke, Agbonlahor and Weimann are firing. Lambert was vague about Bent's potential return date when we asked him about it. Apparently, it is related to the ankle he had operated on in March. The suggestion is that it is nothing too serious

Staggs asked:
“How would you rate Matt Lowton's start to the season? One of Lambert's more underrated signings if you ask me!”

Mat Kendrick:
Staggs, I think Lowton is fast becoming the new Mark Delaney, in the way he has quickly adjusted to the demands of a Premier League right-back after stepping up from the lower leagues. I think because he has settled in quietly and efficiently - other than that belting volley against Swansea - then he has slipped under the radar a little. But, although there is still some room for improvement, I have been very impressed with him so far. Mintyvilla asked:
“Do you think Given,Dunne,Warnock,Hutton and Bent will have left by the end of January. We can but hope!” Mat Kendrick:
Mintyvilla, you seem surprisingly keen to see the goalkeeper and goalscorer who kept Villa in the Premier League last season leave. I'd have thought a couple of players on the list you mention will be gone by February 1, but I'd be surprised if all of them depart.

samavfc asked:
“what do you rate our chances of staying up this season?”

Big Jim asked:
“Mat I am really worried. I think we will struggle to stay up. What are your thoughts?”

Mat Kendrick:
Samavfc/Big Jim, I think Villa will stay up, but it could be close again. As encouraging as Saturday's performance was, Villa need points more than plaudits

Nando asked:
“Mat, Lambert's just decribed Benteke as "a proper number nine". Darren B's days are sadly numbered, in all honesty, aren't they?”
Mat Kendrick:
Nando, is that you Torres? Are you just jealous because you want to be a proper number 9?!!! I'm really not sure just yet what January holds for Darren Bent, but Christian Benteke's impact in recent games has been impressive and hinted that the Belgian battering ram will be loved by the Holte End and hated by opposing defenders.

Jarpie asked
: “What seems to be the mood around the players and club? Do players seem confident when you talk with them despite having just two wins?”

Mat Kendrick:
Jarpie, there tends to be a general mood of excitement among the players. With the average age being so low, they just seem to be trying to enjoy it, rather than worrying about the lack of points. The manager wants to instil a no fear attitude, but the reality is that Villa need to pick up points along the way. I'd love to see what this team would be capable with more points on the board and without the pressure of relegation hanging over them...